5 soothing oils to relieve a dry itchy scalp

5 Soothing Oils To Relieve A Dry Itchy Scalp

Yes! Oils Can Relieve a Dry Itchy Scalp

A dry, itchy scalp is not only embarrassing. But, it's also a continued nuisance that can be painful and may cause infections when scratching forms into wounds. Using soothing oils to relieve a dry, itchy scalp, can soothe, cool, reduce inflammation, and relieve the itch on your scalp. Finding the cause of your dry, itchy scalp is the first step of alleviating the pain. Creating a regimen to reduce dryness and itchiness of the scalp will help just as much as finding soothing oils. Figuring out what works best for you will help in your battle of the dry, itchy scalp. So let's start relieving some dry, itchy scalps.

Common Causes of Dry Itchy Scalp

If you’re always scratching your head because of an itchy scalp, it could be more than dandruff. Many conditions can cause an itchy scalp, from dandruff to something serious like a bacterial infection or autoimmune condition. Before you can stop the itchiness of your scalp, you have to figure out the cause of it, are some common causes.

Seborrheic Dermatitis AKA Dandruff

This is your body's inflammatory response to an overgrowth of yeast which causes itching and flaking associated with this condition. Yeast is normal on the scalp and other hairy areas of the body, but the problem arises when there's too much yeast present.

The Fix

For mild cases, you can use over the counter shampoo containing selenium or zinc pyrithione (which are ingredients that helps control yeast). For severe cases, a prescription strength antifungal shampoo, topical cortisone, or medicated foam, solution, cream, or ointment prescribed.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised. Reddish, scaly, patches on the skin or scalp. Psoriasis is not contagious, so you cannot get it from other people. There's no clear understanding of the cause of psoriasis, but doctors do believe it is hereditary.

The Fix

Try over the counter medicated shampoos containing coal tar or salicylic acid to control scalp psoriasis. If that does not work or it worsens, make an appointment to see your dermatologist.

Tinea Capitis AKA Ringworm

Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection commonly known as ringworm, which infects the scalp. It extends into the hair follicle and causes round patches of hair loss. The rash can appear raised with blacks dots or stubbly in appearance.

The Fix

See a doctor

Head lice

Head lice prefer clean hair. Tiny eggs attach to individual hair strands. They look like dandruff but aren't shaken off as quickly because they’re “glued” to the hair shaft.

The Fix

Try over the counter shampoos containing insecticides pyrethrin or permethrin.

Allergic Reactions

Hair dyes, eczema, and atopic dermatitis are other common cause of itchy scalp.

The Fix

See a dermatologist

When Should You Worry?

Most times a dry, itchy scalp isn’t much cause for concern. However, there are times when your scalp can indicate something more serious. See your doctor when:
  • Over the counter, shampoos make no difference
  • Itchiness keeps you up at night and affects your daily routine
  • You see lice or nits in your hair
  • Itchy spots are very sore to touch

A Regimen for Caring For Dry Itchy Scalps

  • Use a moisturizing shampoo
When you do shampoo your hair be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo to restore your scalps natural moisture barrier.
  • Use a Moisturizing Co-Wash between your standard shampoo washes
A dry scalp can use little extra moisture in between shampooing. Doing this will add some needed moisture to the hair and scalp, without stripping your natural protective oils. Sealing in the moisture with a deep treatment can always help. Natural oils like argon, castor, and shea butter help deeply to hydrate your hair. How often you use the treatments depends on how dry your hair is. Overuse of oils can cause build up and irritation on the scalp.

Take Care While Washing Your Hair

Washing your hair in very hot water can damage the hair and scalp leading to irritation and itchiness. Go for warm water rather than hot; it’s enough to wash away dirt and buildup but not hot enough to irritate your scalp.
  • Styling
When it comes to styling, use a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair when it is wet, being sure not to drag the comb across your scalp. Doing this to can damage the outer layer of skin forcefully.
  • Don’t Scratch
A dry scalp can get itchy, but try to restrict scratching, as it’ll likely cause more damage to the scalp natural moisture barrier. You can also damage your skin, allowing bacteria in, and this could lead to infection.

Five Essential Oils

A select few Essential Oils that contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate your scalp problems. However, in addition to using these essential oil treatments, also make sure you wash your scalp and hair regularly, keep your hair hydrated, comb your hair often, use natural hair product and lastly, don't scratch. Scratching can end up causing wounds which may lead to infection. Listed below are five essential oils for itchy scalp relief and how to use them safely and effectively to get rid of your itch.

1. Tea Tree Essential oil

Due to its terpinen-4-ol compounds, tea tree essential oil is a potent antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal agent that helps fight off bacteria and yeast that are causing your itchy scalp.

The Fix

Use two teaspoons of almond oil, add three drops of tea tree oil and mix well. Apply on your scalp with clean fingertips and massage your scalp gently for three to five minutes. Leave the treatment on for one hour then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

The soothing and cooling properties of peppermint essential oils make it one of the best essential oils for itchy scalp issues. It helps soothe to relieve a dry, itchy scalp. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol which has a numbing and cooling property what will calm and numb the itch and pain caused by scratching. Peppermint essential oil is soothing dry, itchy, and flaky scalps affected by dandruff.

The Fix

Fill a spray bottle with one or two cups of filtered/distilled water. Add two drops of peppermint essential oil and shake thoroughly. Spray onto your scalp after or before your shower to soothe your itchy scalp problems. Store in the refrigerator.

3. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil cleanses the scalp, removes build up and unclogs blocked hair follicles that can harbor germs that cause itchiness. It contains antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties that will gently disinfect your itchy scalp and protect it from infection.

The Fix

Add two teaspoons of coconut oil and two drops of lemon essential oil. Mix well and massage the mix gently into your scalp. You can also warm the coconut oil before adding the lemon essential oil for the treatment to work better. Leave it on for at least forty minutes before rinsing off well with warm water.

4. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil had anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary essential oil will help reduce any redness or inflammation on the scalp. It also contains anti-fungal properties that will protect your scalp from properties that will protect the scalp from any bacteria or fungi. It also increases circulation on the scalp and soothes itchiness.

The Fix

Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and three drops of rosemary essential oil and mix well. Gently apply the mix to your scalp and cover your hair with a warm towel for penetration of the treatment. After forty minutes, rinse it off thoroughly and wrap your hair.

5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Just like peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil gives a cooling effect when applied on the scalp. It also contains antibacterial properties that will kill fungus and other germs that cause itchiness. Massage eucalyptus essential oil on your scalp to improve circulation and promote a healthy scalp.

The Fix

Mix two to four drops of eucalyptus essential oils in one tablespoon of carrier oil such as sweet almond or argan oil. Gently pour the mixture all over your scalp and start massaging it for about three minutes. Let it sit for at least thirty minutes before you rinse it off.
  • Be sure you can use oils.
  • Check with your doctor to see if essential oils are okay to be used by you if you suffer from hypertension, skin allergies, and medical conditions.
  • Always use one hundred percent pure and high-quality essential oils.
  • Never use essential oils directly onto your skin. Always dilute first with a carrier oil.

5 Oils to Buy

1. Crops Natural Organic Castor Oil

This product has been used to rescue hair for decades. Crop Natural Organic Castor Oil is a natural blend of proteins and mineral meant to save your scalp and edges.

2. Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment

This Moroccan oil focuses on relieving dr irritated scalps and clearing up dandruff flakes. Powerful antioxidants like argan, lavender, and geranium oils seal in your scalp’s moisture and soften rough patches.

3. Aesop Sage and Cedar Scalp Treatment

This pre-shampoo treatment will intrigue you right away. Massage a dollop of this oil onto your scalp, using a brush to work from root to tip. Allow it to marinate for a few minutes; then move to your shampoo.

4. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment

The soothing, light tingly sensation from this hair care product is sure to win you over. It works to cool down your scalp with peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils.

5. Viva Labs Organic Extra virgin Coconut Oil

This product penetrates into the skin. It’s nourishing and hydrating. It also keep moisture locked in for a significant amount of time; this helps eliminate dryness quickly. When combined with other penetrating oils, it offers a strong defense against a dry scalp.

Relieve Your Scalp ASAP

An itchy scalp is a common complaint with multiple causes. It can be treated at home and sometimes require medical treatment. If your symptoms don’t dissipate efficiently within a few weeks using the methods above, speak to your doctor about underlying causes of an itchy scalp and the best way to treat it. If you’ve found oils that have helped you soothe your dry, itchy scalp, we’d love to hear about it. May your best hair days be ahead of you!
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